Staff Room!!!

any london teachers have their £1000 yet? Chartered London Teacher somethign or other. Those over the threshold can apply, at discretion of the head. It's a one off payment. And it's the same amount even if you are part time need to fill in my forms

I have ticked like mad - everything is up-to-date KS3, KS4 and even KS5! My SOWs are spinky-spanky.

It just some of those little treasurers that MNers ever own up to having that might make life a little tricky. There is always hope that SMT will be able to pull a trick or two out of the bag

Tick and flick girl!

Absolute hell - the OFSTED team cometh on Thursday.

So mad panic about who is 'stuck', who has not done any marking for a couple of weeks etc.

Donk, thanks for the info - looks like there's some resources that might answer some of my questions.

Not sure about the returners course, a friend of mine did one last summer and didn't find it too useful. I'm not worried about my skills - got through induction only a couple of years ago so although I know I've still got a lot to learn I'm sure I can get back into it!

SP

I am not teaching at the moment as we moved abroad and I haven't got myself in gear to do supply yet; but I was considering doing a taught masters from Lampeter, which is all by distance learning. It fits in with my specialisation and is aimed at teachers who don't have time to study full time. I am nervous however about essay writing again (haven't done that for 8 years), and doing a dissy and my ability to actually study to masters level, or is it less difficult than I think it is?

SP - there are courses for teachers to 'return to teaching' organised by the training and development agency.
They are free.
Details here
I am in the process of signing up for one for the summer term.

Hi, have recently joined mumsnet and just found this so thought I'd introduce myself.

I'm on a childcare break at the moment, have 2 1/2 year old and nearly 1 year old girls. I used to teach science with a specialism in physics, including a-level.

I'm not intending to go back to work in the next year or so, can't imagine how I'm going to be able to organise myself. Can't decide what the best approach would be. Maybe do supply for a while, but as I always hated doing cover, not sure!

I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing as I feel ridiculously out of the loop. I finished working in July 2005 and there have been so many changes to the science curricula since then, and even the pay scales! I've also recently moved areas so I can't even go back to the comfort blanket of my old school. Never thought I'd want to go back there!

SP xx

Quiet this week, how is everyone?

Good news Figleaf.

I was back at work properly this week. Was on last day of HLTA on Mon then PIVATs training, yesterday was first day in new class with new 1:1 who didn't have a good day and fitted a few timesThen I stayed for another hour after school to prep work for him.Had a better day today but then had a staff meeting so not home til 6. Tomorrow have a meeting with OT at 3 the TA meeting 4.30-6. This is turning into a long week.

I am supposed to working on HLTA now but am totally wiped

The General Teaching council for Scotland has written to me today to offer me FULL registration without any probation. I'm so relieved.

My half term is this week. As kiddywinks were swimming this am I managed to complete a SOW for a new unit. Now feeling very smug that I have managed to do some prep work during daylight hours.

Whizz- CS here are the equivilant of level 3 , I work as STA (level 3) and have been looking at CS jobs and they are on same rate as me although I get SEN allowance so actually works out more. Although I guess they are at least trained (ask Roisin though on that!) In my school PPA cover is done by PTAs (level 5 ) although other cover can be done by STA taking charge and another TA coming in (IYSWIM)

I know. It's the only bit of the job I don't like. I'm not too bad that in that my previous job I did a lot of training of people, so at least I do have experience in standing up and talking to people - but that's not the point really.

I've been reading the cover supervisor tips with interest. As a TA, myself & other TAs are expected to cover classes on a regular basis. We have had NO classroom managment training, majority of us are Level 2 and are fully aware we are being used & abused. It's horrendous - on one hand the HT thinks we are so lowly he can't bring himself to talk to us & on the other, he thinks we are able to be left in sole charge of a room full of pupils....our £7-£8 an hour being a bit less I guess than cover supervisor or supply teacher pay
(and yes, we are currently talking to the union)

Course work marking, a year 7 test to mark and some lesson planning to do this afternoon. At least I've done most of the coursework over the half term

I teach ICT for KS3,4 & 5 - And KS5 Business in large outer London school .... p/t until my youngest starts secondary.

Thankyou. I have some experience of teenagers, I run a Guide Troop! I also have a Yr 7 dd of my own, so I know where they're coming from! I come from teacher stock so to speak, my mother is a retired head teacher too. There is training as part of the job too, so that's a bonus. That's one of the main things I think I have to offer. I can talk with teenagers on their level, but also understand the need to let them know I'm in charge.

Right. If you're confident about maintaining discipline, then that's a really strong point in your favour. The biggest problem with cover teachers is that kids will try to get away with stuff they wouldnt normally, so you need to show them that you're confident about being in charge of a class of thirty.
The interviewers will look for someone who can be flexible, picking up whatever subject or age group. Also someone who will use their initiative - eg if the instructions left by teacher arent entirely clear, will you be confident to keep the lesson moving.
The one thing I'd really stress is that you want to build up a relationship with the classes so that they don't see cover lessons as a 'fill-in' or waste of time. This is the advantage of having a cover supervisor in a school. there is the potential to make this a really exciting post, where you will get to know a huge range of students and staff. They will also be looking for someone who will work professionally with the whole range of staff (bear in mind that some staff you'll take to, some you won't). A bonus would also be if you show some basic knowledge of the NC - expected levels at each Key Stage etc.
Good luck

Thanks! It'd be covering the class when teacher is doing other things! Scarey! Job description is, to let them in and greet them, explain work that has been set, help & support students as necessary and maintain discipline (I'll be good at that bit!)

So you'd be based in a secondary school, providing cover for classes, or would it be an admin job organising the cover?? Let me know and I'll give you some tips!!

Gosh, its quiet in here, no ones been in since Wednesday!

Sorry to bother you, but I'm a lowly childminder from the other staff room! I've just got an interview for a cover supervisor in a secondary school and I'm brickin' it! What have I done? Anyone got any tips?

Thankyou.